FSR-GUI-0004 Guidance on Forensic Science Activities Interpretation and Communication
Summary
The Forensic Science Regulator has published updated guidance FSR-GUI-0004 on interpretation and communication of observations from forensic science activities. The March 2026 update corrects a misquotation of the expert definition in section 3.1.1. The guidance sets principles and expectations for forensic practitioners in England and Wales, drafted by a group of practitioners and academic experts convened by the Regulator.
What changed
The guidance FSR-GUI-0004 on interpretation and communication of observations from forensic science activities has been updated to correct a misquotation of the definition of an expert in section 3.1.1. The document was originally published in January 2026 and has been amended to ensure accuracy of the expert definition as referenced in the guidance.
Forensic practitioners and legal professionals involved in criminal proceedings should be aware of the corrected guidance. The principles set out in FSR-GUI-0004 establish expectations for how observations from forensic science activities should be interpreted and communicated, which is critical for ensuring the reliability and transparency of forensic evidence presented in criminal cases in England and Wales.
What to do next
- Review updated guidance FSR-GUI-0004 for changes affecting interpretation and communication practices
- Ensure forensic science activity reporting aligns with the corrected principles and expectations
- Contact the Forensic Science Regulator for queries regarding compliance with guidance standards
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Forensic science activities: interpretation and communication (FSR-GUI-0004)
This guidance applies to all practitioners and sets out principles and expectations for interpretation and communications of observations from FSAs.
From: Forensic Science Regulator Published 26 January 2026 Last updated 24 March 2026
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Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Forensic science activities: interpretation and communication (accessible)
Ref: FSR-GUI-0004
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Forensic science activities: interpretation and communication
Ref: FSR-GUI-0004
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Details
This guidance sets out principles and expectations for interpretation and communication of observations from forensic science activities (FSAs) in England and Wales. It has been drafted by a group that was convened by the Forensic Science Regulator (the Regulator) and comprised forensic practitioners and academic experts.
Updates to this page
Published 26 January 2026 Last updated 24 March 2026 show all updates
1.
24 March 2026
Corrected a misquotation of the definition of an expert in section 3.1.1.
2.
26 January 2026
First published.
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